Travel Guide to Surabaya

Embassy of India
JL HR Rasuna Said, Kav S-1
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, 12950, Indonesia

Contact - +62-21-5204150 / 52 / 57 / 5264931

The following documents are required to get a visa to Surabaya, Indonesia

• Original Valid passport for 6 months from the date of travel along with the old passport, if any
• visa application forms
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Return air ticket
• Day-to-day itinerary
• Income tax papers for last 3 years or Form 16
• Original saving Bank Statements last 6 months updated with healthy balance

Surabaya is a busy port city located on the Island of Java in Indonesia. In terms of population, Surabaya is the second largest city in the country. The place has a rich historical past with a mixture of Dutch, Islamic and Chinese rule through the ages. With modern age, the city witnessed explosive growth manifested in the appearance of the high-rise buildings across its nooks and corners. In short, the city is a mixture of traditional and contemporary architecture all rolled into one. There are many interesting places to visit in Surabaya, and some of them are as follows:

Balai Pemuda:It is a stunning example of Dutch architecture in Indonesia; the structure was initially built as a community hall for the settlers. Later, the place was converted into a cultural centre for the locals and the travellers. Numerous events such as festivals and marriages take place in the premises in an impeccable grandeur. Most of these events are held in June in the inner halls of the Balai Pemuda.

Old town:Visiting old town is one of the most important things to do in Surabaya. Old buildings and interesting souvenirs dot the landscape and take people into the medieval past of the place. Every structure in the region is at least 100 years old and sometimes appear creepy to the naked eye. In past old town was inhabited by the Tionghoa citizens living peacefully along with the Arab traders.

Ciputra Water Park:It is one of the biggest water parks In Indonesia, frequented by a large number of travellers from the adjoining countries and islands. You can enjoy interesting rides and spend time in a large wave pool. In fact, Ciputra is one of the most popular Surabaya points of interest as it consists of numerous rides such as Sirens River, Chimera pool, Marina Lagoon and Sindbad Playground. Also, foodies have a gala time at the water park due to the presence of restaurants and food stalls in close vicinity.

Beach Kenjeran:Families can visit the place to enjoy the surrounding ambience near the vast expansive blue sea. People can also go fishing or buy fish and indulge in a boat ride. Tourists can bring a mat and take rest under the tree while relishing the atmosphere of the beach. A separate area for children playground is available for the families so that they can spend some time together in peace and tranquillity.

Mangrove Forest:If you are a lover of nature, visiting this famous tourist place in Surabaya is dream come true for you. Walking on the bamboo bridge takes people closer into the wilderness of the forest. In addition, visitors can also take the boat and move around the forest through the stream of interconnected water bodies.

Zoo:People also visit the Surabaya Zoo on their trip; it comprises of numerous animals sourced from different parts of the world. Family and kids can have a great fun time at the place mentioned above of attraction. Spread across 15 hectares, the zoo is very popular among the visitors. They throng the place in huge numbers. Apart from lions and tigers, you can also watch herbivorous animals in the surrounding ambience. In short, the experience is not only enthralling but also makes the trip a wonderful memory to cherish.

Suramadu:It is the longest bridge constructed over the Madura Strait waters. The structure joins the towns of Surabaya and Madura across the length of nearly 5500 meters. Construction of the bridge played an important role in the development of the city Madura. Over a period of time, it has become an icon for the local population. Driving along the bridge is an amazing experience for the visitors.

House of Sampoerna:The museum is one of the most famous places of attractions in Surabaya because it was once a historic building and now houses many interesting facts for the tourists. An appealing Dutch style architecture combined with pillar shape cigarette has become the cynosures of all eyes. Inside the museum, one can find shutter, replica stalls and tobacco processing equipment. In fact, people can visualize the tobacco making process in detail inside the museum.

Submarine monument:The submarine monument is located in downtown Surabaya with real underwater transport in tow. It participated in the liberation of the West Irian region from the clutches of Dutch colonialists. The place is a prominent tourist attraction because not many people can get inside the real submarine. Since the monument is located at Jalan Pemuda, it is easily accessible from different parts of Surabaya.

Tugu Pahlawan:The monument boasts a height of 40 meters and creates a nail-shaped caret upside down. The structure spans across one hectare in the honor of the soldiers who sacrificed their life defending against the invaders attacking Surabaya. In addition, documented information is also stored in the basement of the Tugu Pahlawan museum.

Park Bungkul:Park Bungkul is an amazing place in Surabaya where people can converge and spend quality time in style. It is studded with a special playground for children and also a jogging track. Fitness enthusiasts can do exercise during the early hours of the morning. Moreover, a amphitheater, a playground, skateboards are also available for the visitors.

Rumah batik:Rumah batik is inundated with batik collections of more than 2000 sheets and motif patterns. It is one of the most important places of attractions in the city.

If you are arriving by air, it is possible to reach Surabaya by taking flight from the Jakarta International airport. The city is also connected to Denpasar, so that one can avail the service of the major carriers to reach the place.

One can also reach the city by boarding train from the Railway station of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandung. Comfortable journey allows people to visit the famous tourist attraction in an easy and hassle-free manner./p>

You can also reach Surabaya using the harbor Tanjung Perak as the ship sails to the destination from the Makassar in Sulawesi twice a week. Generally budgeted customers like to travel through the economy class to minimize the overheads.

In order to move around in Surabaya, you can take a bus to visit the famous places of attractions. Some people like to hire metered taxis to move around the city. They are comfortable and help to ward off the traffic jams without any problem.

Mini car tricycle is also available for two passengers for easy commuting within the city. Dedicated minivans are also available to the travelers to visit the places of attractions within a very small time frame.

Best time to visit Surabaya is from May till September. It is considered as the dry season as people do not have to face the vagaries of rain and humidity.

One should not visit the place from October to April because of heavy rainfall and high temperature.

While going to Surabaya, one should pack long sleeve blouses and 2 loose-fitting T-shirts. In addition, people can carry two pairs of shorts and pajama-style pants.

Indonesia is an Islamic country, therefore carrying Sarong is a wise decision for the visitors. Two bathing suits are suitable especially when you are visiting the beach.

People are served typically East Javanese dish while visiting Surabaya:

The dark beef soup called Rawon is very popular among the foodies. For breakfast, one can hog on to the delicious super omelets. The yummy bean sprout soup also goes a long way in providing sterling results to the users. It is a wonderful complimentary food served during the main course meal.

Assalam Bistro and Café

• Located at:Komplek Papaya Margorejo, Jl. Raya Margorejo Indah No. 60-68, Margorejo, Wonocolo, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60238, Indonesia
• Cuisine:Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian
• Contact No.: +62 31 8477322

Sitara Indian Cuisine

• Located at:Jl. Hayam Wuruk 54A | Inside Brawijaya Golf Driving Range Surabaya, Indonesia
• Cuisine:Indian, Asian
• Contact No.: +62315616218

Rumah Makan Kartikasari

• Located at: Jln. Embong Sawo 40, Surabaya 60271, Indonesia
• Cuisine:Indian, Indonesian, Asian
• Contact No.: +6 2 31 5343581

Surabaya is a place where you can enjoy shopping souvenirs and contemporary products. For instance, city of Tomorrow is one of the best shopping malls providing lifestyle accessories to the visitors. Inundated with Hypermarts, the place is a shopping paradise for the majority of people.

Royal Plaza opened in 2006 stocks a large number of branded products, for both men and women. In addition, children can have a gala time on the playground spanning across 4 hectares.

Surabaya is adorned with private hospitals for the tourists arriving in hordes to the places of attraction. The medical center and Mahkota hospitals offer state of the art treatment to the patients. They provide intensive care to the people who are suffering from chronic issues. In order to cover yourself of all the medical emergencies and expenses, it is always recommended to have a medical insurance while you plan your trip. The insurer, here will not only take care of your health related emergencies but will also, make sure that you reach out to the nearest health care centre to seek a better treatment.

The currency used in Surabaya is Rupiah and it can be changed at the airport without any commission. You can also buy the currency at the ATM and hotel, however varying degree of commissions right from 5 to 10% have to be paid.

Apart from respecting local culture and customs, people should also have knowledge of the Indonesian language. Some of the phrases that you can learn are as follows:

Good morning: Selamat page

My name is: Nama saya adalah

Where is: Dimana

The following medical expenses are covered: 

• Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America & India

You can avail the Travel Insurance online and enjoy the benefits offered by ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*)

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents & Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online through Travel Insurance cover online process.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration  and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases,  Travel Insurance cover greatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

 Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

 Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

 Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

 Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.